2.1 Anthracene Glycosides (or Anthraquinone Glycosides)
Anthracene glycosides represent a major class of glycosides. They are abundantly found in various dicot plant families, such as: Ericaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Leguminoseae, Lythreaceae, Polygonaceae, Rhamnaceae, Rubiaceae and Verbenaceae to name a few. Interestingly, some monocots belonging to the family Liliaceae also exhibits the presence of anthracene glycosides. Besides, they are also present in certain varieties of fungi and lichens.
A plethora of glycosides having their aglycone moieties closely related to anthracene are present in noticeable amounts in a variety of drug substances, for instance: aloe, cascara, frangula, sagrada and senna. These drugs are invariably employed as cathartics.
